You’re probably wondering what you’re going to be eating for the next few years and I could assure you it will be fine. Don’t worry about it.

1976 Kraft Dinner Ad Target market: YOU

My dad said to me (not too long ago actually) ‘’ people your age are all eating Kraft dinner and Ramen noodles’’, because he felt that I was eating too much fancy food at home, haha I do but in the beginning when you’re getting yourself organized and just moved in, you may not have the financials to eat surf and turf! I have eaten Kraft Dinner before but as a snack or a late night snack! Don’t worry; I am going to help you eat well while respecting a budget.

1- Foods you should avoid buying in order to reduce costs

I am mentioning the following two items because my laziness almost took over my wallet a few weeks ago.

CRAP! Don’t eat crap; it’s not good for you. Eat smart.

Yes I agree a lot of healthy foods are more expensive than junk food, it’s horrible and should be a whole other discussion on its own!

$$$ Do you know how many vegetables you can buy instead of this?

Don’t buy prepped foods and by this I mean cut up fruit or salad kit mixers, etc. These ‘’kits’’ are overpriced for nothing. Just buy all the ingredients individually and prepare it yourself. It’s not very time consuming and in the end you will have greater quantities instead of having a portion for 1 or 2 days. Don’t throw away your money, set a time in your week for meal prep, and trust me it’s worth it. So buy a variety and fruits and dice them up and same thing for salads, buy different ingredients you like in your salad and make a mix you can keep in a larger Tupperware container. Voila! Your salad will be ready and mixed for the week. Also, visit your grandmother regularly; they hook up the food too!

2- Look at specials

I am not saying to become an impulsive coupon collector but look at the weekly flyers or on the internet and check when those meats are on special, because when they are, you will buy it all and then freeze it!

As for fruits and veggies my recommendation is to go to a market any chance you get. Fruits and vegetables are getting pricier but these farm markets or wholesalers are much cheaper than your local grocery stores.

Oh and helpful tip from my mom: Don’t buy chicken breasts if they are over $11 a kg. Thanks mom, I think about you every time I buy chicken breasts.

Oh and easy on the expensive steaks, let your parents feed you luxury when they see you! They’re so happy not to be feeding you anymore that I am sure they love spoiling you when they see you. And again, hit up grandma’s…they love feeding you and seeing you eat. Don’t have a grandma? Then come to mine, she will be more than happy to feed you too! #thatitalianlife

3- Entertaining

If you’re like me than you love entertaining guests. Well you should stop, or like simmer down a little. Don’t understand why you shouldn’t be so generous? Think about your guests and if they have ever invited you over or given you anything. Thats right i just saved you bucket loads right here!

In my other life I am a master chef. I love making food and especially for guests. That’s right, I am like my grandmother. But honestly, this gets expensive too. Try doing potlucks instead. They work, you don’t have to spend ridiculous amounts of money on food, nor spend a lot of time cooking and you basically get leftovers and no dishes. I like to call this a win, win situation.

4- Leftovers vs. eating out

If you don’t mind eating leftovers, then making stews, soups, lasagnes, chilli’s and etc. are extremely beneficial and cost efficient. You can also freeze most of this stuff and go back to it later! Think about it this way, I just made a lasagne for a total cost of $20 and was able to get 6 portions from it. The boyfriend at it all but that’s beside the point. $3.33 for a nice homemade lasagne portion is way tastier than a restaurant bought one that cost you $15 for a single plate, plus tip. I’m not saying to stop eating at the restaurant but eating lunch out everyday is definitely not part of the budget. That gets crazy expensive and you have major bills to pay now that you’re a homeowner. Sorry to my friends who eat out everyday but that money can pay for a trip and my trip too! Just saying. #sheneedsvacation

5- Healthy choices

Making healthy choices is always the right route to take. Loss of inspiration can happen often, especially when living alone. A lot of people ask me, how do I do it? Cooking crazy meals for myself. The truth is, I love to cook and make new recipes and I love and NEED to be healthy. If you’re going to drink and party and smell burnt tires at drifting events well the least you can do is make yourself a fabulous meal. Don’t cheap out on yourself, take the time to appreciate yourself & a good meal. Just because I live alone doesn’t mean I should be eating Kraft Dinner and you either!